Global Pulse

分类： sports

  • Keys into Melbourne third round with Sinner, Djokovic primed

    Keys into Melbourne third round with Sinner, Djokovic primed

    Defending Australian Open champions Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are poised for their second-round matches following a day of dramatic contests at Melbourne Park. American Madison Keys, the reigning women’s finalist, navigated a turbulent performance to secure her place in the third round with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over compatriot Ashlyn Krueger.

    Keys demonstrated dominant form in the opening set, concluding it within 23 minutes on John Cain Arena. However, the match dynamics shifted dramatically in the second set as Krueger mounted a formidable challenge, pushing Keys to rally from a 2-5 deficit. The 29-year-old acknowledged her opponent’s resilience, stating, ‘I fully expected her to raise her level and she did. It got away from me a bit.’

    In other women’s draw action, sixth seed Jessica Pegula delivered a commanding performance with a 6-0, 6-2 win against McCartney Kessler. Meanwhile, tournament witnessed a significant upset as Spain’s 25th seed Paula Badosa fell to Russia’s 101st-ranked Oksana Selekhmeteva in straight sets.

    The men’s competition features defending champion Jannik Sinner preparing to face Australian James Duckworth after his first-round match concluded prematurely when French opponent Hugo Gaston retired with Sinner leading 6-2, 6-1. Novak Djokovic, pursuing an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title, commenced his campaign with a dominant 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 victory over Spain’s Pedro Martinez – marking his 100th Australian Open win.

    The Serbian legend, currently tied with Margaret Court for most major titles, expressed satisfaction with his performance: ‘I couldn’t ask for more. Obviously a great serving performance.’ Djokovic now prepares to face Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli as he continues his historic quest.

    Other notable contenders advancing include Czech Republic’s Jakub Mensik and Russia’s Karen Khachanov, while the tournament continues with highly anticipated matches featuring Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova, and Elena Rybakina.

  • AFL 2026: Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps named State of Origin captains

    AFL 2026: Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps named State of Origin captains

    In a landmark moment for Australian Rules Football, two of the AFL’s most revered figures have been bestowed with the prestigious honor of captaining their respective states in the upcoming State of Origin clash. Western Bulldogs icon Marcus Bontempelli will lead Victoria, while Carlton’s inspirational leader Patrick Cripps will captain Western Australia in the first elite-level interstate showdown in over a quarter-century.

    The historic match, scheduled for February 14 at Perth’s Optus Stadium, marks the revival of a cherished football tradition that had been dormant since the late 1990s. Both captains expressed profound reverence for their appointments, recognizing the significance of representing their states in what promises to be a capacity-crowd event.

    Bontempelli, reflecting on the deep historical significance of the Big V jersey, described the captaincy as an eternal honor. ‘There’s a deep history and pride that comes with representing your state,’ the Victorian skipper remarked, emphasizing his anticipation of leading Victoria’s finest footballers onto the field.

    Meanwhile, Cripps, who hasn’t experienced his hometown’s support from the opposing side since his 2013 drafting to Carlton, conveyed special emotional connection to leading Western Australia. The Carlton champion highlighted the unique opportunity to perform before home supporters while wearing state colors, expressing his determination to make the local faithful proud.

    The appointment of these two modern-day greats adds another chapter to their already distinguished careers, connecting them to the rich legacy of state-based football competition that once defined the Australian sporting landscape.

  • Real Madrid top football rich list as Liverpool surge

    Real Madrid top football rich list as Liverpool surge

    Real Madrid has solidified its position as football’s financial powerhouse, maintaining the top spot in Deloitte’s annual Money League rankings with unprecedented revenue generation during the 2024/25 season. The Spanish giants amassed approximately €1.2 billion ($1.4 billion) despite failing to secure major silverware, demonstrating the club’s remarkable commercial resilience.

    The comprehensive redevelopment of Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has emerged as a transformative revenue driver, with commercial operations alone generating €594 million – sufficient to secure a top-ten position independently. Barcelona ascended to second position with €975 million, achieving this milestone while playing their entire season away from Camp Nou due to ongoing redevelopment delays.

    German champions Bayern Munich claimed third position with €861 million, narrowly surpassing Paris Saint-Germain whose Champions League victory provided significant financial impetus. The Premier League’s representation remained robust, with Liverpool leading English clubs for the first time following stadium expansion, Champions League participation, and domestic league triumph that collectively boosted revenues to €836 million.

    Notable shifts occurred in the rankings as Manchester City descended from second to sixth position following early European elimination and third-place domestic finish. Manchester United fell to eighth behind Arsenal after missing Champions League qualification and finishing 15th in Premier League competition.

    Collectively, Europe’s top 20 revenue-generating clubs achieved an 11% revenue increase to €12.4 billion. Deloitte Sports Business Group lead partner Tim Bridge observed: “The ranking’s upper echelon reflects strategic emphasis on commercial revenue development as domestic broadcast rights stabilize. Clubs are fundamentally transforming their business models through brand optimization and stadium asset maximization.”

    The emerging trend of multifunctional stadium facilities – incorporating breweries, hotels, and restaurants – demonstrates strategic diversification toward year-round entertainment destinations. The inaugural 32-team Club World Cup significantly influenced rankings, propelling Bayern into top-three positioning for the first time since 2020/21.

    In women’s football, Arsenal emerged as highest-earning club for the first time following their Champions League victory, generating €25.6 million to surpass London rivals Chelsea and Barcelona.

  • Brook feels lucky to be England captain after nightclub brawl in NZ

    Brook feels lucky to be England captain after nightclub brawl in NZ

    England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has expressed profound relief at retaining his leadership role following a physical confrontation with security personnel at a New Zealand nightclub last October. The 26-year-old batsman acknowledged his behavior fell short of expected standards for a national team representative, particularly one holding a captaincy position.

    According to a Daily Telegraph investigation, the incident occurred on October 31st when Brook was refused entry to an establishment and subsequently struck by a bouncer. While specific details remain undisclosed, the confrontation prompted Brook to issue immediate apologies to both teammates and cricket authorities.

    Facing media scrutiny ahead of England’s limited-overs series against Sri Lanka, Brook revealed he had mentally prepared for potential dismissal from captaincy duties. “That possibility definitely played through my mind,” the cricketer confessed. “I entrusted that decision to the governing hierarchy. Had they decided to remove me as captain, I would have accepted it willingly provided I could continue representing England on the field.”

    When directly questioned whether he considered himself fortunate to maintain the leadership, Brook responded: “Probably slightly, yes. However, I would have fully acknowledged my error had I been relieved of captaincy responsibilities.”

    The Yorkshire-born player emphasized his commitment to rebuilding trust within the squad, stating he personally apologized to teammates upon arriving in Sri Lanka. “Regaining player confidence requires conscious effort following my actions,” Brook noted. “Such behavior proves unacceptable for any player, but particularly for a captain. I unequivocally accept responsibility.”

    England’s tour comprises three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20 matches against Sri Lanka, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled for next month across India and Sri Lanka.

  • Nicolai Højgaard inspires students on Dubai Desert Classic Trophy Tour

    Nicolai Højgaard inspires students on Dubai Desert Classic Trophy Tour

    The Hero Dubai Desert Classic has launched an innovative educational initiative, taking its prestigious Dallah Trophy on a week-long tour across Dubai’s schools. This outreach program, coinciding with the tournament’s 37th edition running from January 22-25 at Emirates Golf Club, aims to inspire young students and promote golf at grassroots levels.

    The program commenced at The English College on Monday with a special appearance by DP World Tour professional Nicolai Højgaard. The Danish golfer participated in an engaging meet-and-greet session and answered students’ questions during an interactive Q&A, providing firsthand insight into professional golf.

    In collaboration with The R&A and Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), the initiative utilizes The R&A’s ‘Unleash Your Drive in Schools Programme.’ Alongside the trophy display, EGF representatives conducted introductory golf sessions designed to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for students of all skill levels. These taster sessions emphasize golf’s physical and mental health benefits while introducing the game through fun, inclusive activities.

    The 2026 Trophy Tour has already visited multiple institutions, including Dubai Heights Academy on Tuesday and Horizon English School on Wednesday. The tour will conclude at Bloom World Academy on Thursday, completing a comprehensive outreach effort across Dubai’s educational landscape.

    Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, emphasized the program’s significance: ‘As the Middle East’s longest-running golf event, we’re proud to collaborate with The R&A and EGF to inspire future generations. This year’s Trophy Tour reflects our commitment to nurturing talent and positioning golf as an inclusive, enjoyable, and healthy sport for youth.’

    The initiative represents the tournament’s ongoing dedication to growing golf’s popularity among young audiences while maintaining its status as a cornerstone of Middle Eastern sports heritage.

  • Bangladesh face T20 World Cup exit after ICC rejects BCB demand

    Bangladesh face T20 World Cup exit after ICC rejects BCB demand

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally rejected Bangladesh’s demand to relocate their T20 World Cup matches from India to Sri Lanka, casting serious doubt on the team’s participation in the upcoming tournament. This decision follows weeks of escalating tensions between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and cricket’s global governing body.

    The dispute originated on January 3rd when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) instructed IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders to release Bangladeshi fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman. The BCB subsequently cited player safety concerns and deteriorating political relations with India as justification for refusing to play their scheduled matches in Kolkata and Mumbai.

    In an official statement, the ICC emphasized that comprehensive security assessments, detailed venue-level protection plans, and formal assurances from Indian authorities confirmed there were ‘no credible or verifiable threats’ to the Bangladesh team’s safety. The council revealed it had engaged in ‘sustained and constructive dialogue’ with BCB officials, but these efforts were ultimately ‘rebuffed’ by the Bangladeshi side.

    With the tournament commencing February 7th, uncertainty looms over Bangladesh’s campaign. Team captain Litton Das expressed the prevailing mood, stating, ‘From where I stand, I’m uncertain, everyone is uncertain. Are you sure we will play the World Cup? I think at this moment, the whole of Bangladesh is uncertain.’

    The political backdrop adds complexity to the situation, as Bangladesh prepares for its first elections since the 2024 uprising that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a known ally of New Delhi. Relations between the neighboring nations have significantly deteriorated since her departure.

    ICC sources indicate Scotland, the highest-ranked non-qualifying team, stands ready as potential replacements should Bangladesh withdraw from the competition. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan authorities confirmed they had not received any formal request to host Bangladesh’s matches, despite BCB’s preference for the co-host nation.

  • Liverpool cruise as Bayern reach Champions League last 16

    Liverpool cruise as Bayern reach Champions League last 16

    European football’s elite clubs solidified their positions in the UEFA Champions League during Wednesday’s pivotal matchday, with several powerhouses securing passage to the knockout rounds. Liverpool delivered a commanding performance in Marseille, cruising to a 3-0 victory that extended their unbeaten streak to 13 matches across all competitions since their surprising November defeat to PSV Eindhoven.

    The breakthrough came courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai’s ingenious first-half free-kick, which the Hungarian midfielder expertly slotted beneath the defensive wall. ‘I completed my homework and learned that if nobody lies down, I can strike it under the wall,’ Szoboszlai explained post-match. The victory was sealed with an own goal from Marseille goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and a late finish from substitute Cody Gakpo, positioning Liverpool to clinch their last-16 spot against Qarabag next week.

    In Munich, Harry Kane’s brace propelled Bayern to a 2-0 triumph over Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise, guaranteeing the German giants top-eight qualification with one match remaining. Kane’s header and penalty conversion brought his remarkable tally to seven goals in seven Champions League appearances this season, though his hat-trick opportunity was denied by the woodwork. Despite Kim Min-jae’s second-half dismissal, Bayern maintained control, with Kane noting: ‘We scored at decisive moments and demonstrated composure even with ten players.’

    Elsewhere, Newcastle United dominated PSV with a 3-0 victory at St James’ Park, while Chelsea edged Cypriot opponents Pafos 1-0 in new coach Liam Rosenior’s European debut. Barcelona mounted a impressive comeback against Slavia Prague, overcoming an early deficit to win 4-2 through Fermin Lopez’s double and decisive contributions from Dani Olmo and Robert Lewandowski.

    The matchday concluded with dramatic finishes across Europe: Juventus continued their resurgence with a 2-0 win over Benfica, Atalanta suffered a damaging 3-2 home defeat to Athletic Bilbao, and Azerbaijani surprise package Qarabag kept their playoff hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. The group stage will reach its climax next Wednesday with all final matches played simultaneously.

  • City have to ‘change the dynamic’, says Guardiola after humiliating defeat

    City have to ‘change the dynamic’, says Guardiola after humiliating defeat

    In a stunning Champions League upset that reverberated across European football, Manchester City suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat against Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday. The Premier League giants, reigning European champions from 2023, found themselves comprehensively outplayed at the ecstatic Aspmyra Stadion despite their overwhelming financial and talent advantages.

    The match turned decisively when Spanish midfielder Rodri received his marching orders for two quick bookings, leaving City in complete disarray during the second half. Bodo/Glimt’s remarkable victory was secured through Kasper Hogh’s first-half brace and a clinical finish from Jens Petter Hauge after the interval. Although Rayan Cherki managed to pull one back momentarily for City, the damage had already been done as the Norwegian underdogs celebrated their historic first-ever Champions League group stage victory.

    The contextual disparity between the clubs couldn’t be more dramatic—Bodo’s entire population of merely 55,000 residents could almost fit into City’s Etihad Stadium. Yet manager Kjetil Knutsen’s squad ignored this massive gap to deliver a performance that will be remembered as one of European football’s greatest shocks.

    Manager Pep Guardiola struck a despairing tone in his post-match assessment, acknowledging that his team must urgently “change the dynamic” following this devastating result. City’s campaign to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 now hinges entirely on their final group phase encounter against Galatasaray next week.

    The defeat compounds what has become a concerning slump for the Manchester club, who remain without a victory in their last four Premier League matches. Their recent 2-0 defeat at Manchester United left them trailing league leaders Arsenal by seven points, adding pressure to an already challenging season.

    Guardiola revealed the extent of City’s personnel crisis, with eleven senior players unavailable through injury, illness, suspension, or ineligibility. Despite these circumstances, the manager refused to criticize Rodri for his dismissal, noting the midfielder’s difficult comeback season following last year’s serious knee injury.

    “Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things,” Guardiola stated. “We arrived in some departments without important players who give consistency to the team. They are a little bit fragile, as they were last season in a certain period.”

  • India wins T20 series opener against New Zealand by 48 runs

    India wins T20 series opener against New Zealand by 48 runs

    In a spectacular display of power hitting, India secured a decisive 48-run victory against New Zealand in the opening match of their five-match T20 series at VCA Stadium in Nagpur. The triumph was anchored by world’s top-ranked T20 batter Abhishek Sharma, who delivered a stunning 84 runs from just 35 deliveries, featuring eight sixes and five boundaries.

    India posted an imposing total of 238-7 in their allotted 20 overs, marking the third-highest T20 score ever recorded against New Zealand and only the second 200-plus total at the VCA Stadium since 2009. Captain Suryakumar Yadav contributed 32 runs from 22 balls, while Rinku Singh provided a crucial late innings surge with an unbeaten 44 off 20 deliveries.

    Despite a valiant effort from New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, who smashed 78 runs from 40 balls, and supporting contributions from Mark Chapman (39 off 24) and Mitchell Santner (20 not out), the Black Caps fell short at 190-7. The visitors’ chase was hampered by early setbacks, losing openers Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra for minimal scores.

    The match witnessed several momentum shifts, with India appearing to falter at 185-6 before Singh’s late fireworks propelled them to their formidable total. New Zealand’s middle-order partnership between Phillips and Chapman, which yielded 79 runs from 42 balls, offered hope but ultimately proved insufficient against India’s bowling attack led by Varun Chakravarthy (2-37) and supported by Axar Patel’s crucial dismissal of Phillips.

    This series serves as critical preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup scheduled to begin February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. The teams will next meet in Raipur for the second T20 match on Friday.

  • What we learned from Afcon 2025

    What we learned from Afcon 2025

    The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded in Morocco with both remarkable achievements and significant controversies that will define its legacy. While Senegal ultimately claimed victory, the tournament’s climax was marred by chaotic scenes during the final match against hosts Morocco.

    The championship match descended into turmoil during stoppage time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty after VAR consultation. This decision triggered a 16-minute delay as Senegal’s team staged a walk-off protest. The dramatic conclusion saw Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt saved, preserving Senegal’s triumph amid the controversy.

    Beyond the final’s discord, Morocco delivered exceptional infrastructure and organization. The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat emerged as a tournament centerpiece, showcasing Morocco’s preparation for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Significant investment backed by King Mohammed VI resulted in world-class facilities that impressed visitors and set new standards for African football hosting.

    Tournament economics showed substantial progress, with Confederation of African Football (CAF) revenues growing by 90% and ticket sales skyrocketing from $11 million in 2023 to $55 million. The event attracted 23 sponsors and partners while generating an estimated $114 million net profit.

    However, officiating standards emerged as a persistent concern. VAR implementation regressed from the 2023 edition, with lengthy reviews and questionable decisions throughout the tournament. Security issues also surfaced, particularly regarding Senegal’s team being mobbed upon arrival in Rabat and inadequate crowd control measures.

    The tournament’s success raises questions about future hosting capabilities, especially with the 2027 edition scheduled for East African nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Nigeria star Asisat Oshoala’s description of Morocco as African football’s ‘new headquarters’ highlights the challenge other nations face in matching Morocco’s infrastructure and organizational capabilities.